LAS VEGAS — Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox have been honored as Major League Baseball’s Comeback Players of the Year, announced during the All-MLB Awards Show on Thursday.
Emmanuel Clase, a right-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, secured his second American League Reliever of the Year Award, while Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals took home the National League honor.
In a notable achievement, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers became only the second player in history to win four consecutive Outstanding Designated Hitter Awards, joining David Ortiz in this feat. Ohtani and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees were also recognized with the Hank Aaron Award as the top offensive players in their respective leagues.
Sale, at 35 years of age, had an impressive season with a record of 18-3, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts over 177 2/3 innings, earning him the National League’s first pitching triple crown since Clayton Kershaw did it for the Dodgers in 2011. This season also marked his eighth trip to the All-Star Game, his first since 2018.
Having previously contributed to Boston’s 2018 World Series victory, Sale faced significant injury challenges, making only 56 appearances from 2020 to 2023, and posting a record of 17-18, along with a 4.86 ERA, 400 strikeouts, and 79 walks in 298 1/3 innings. Acquired from the White Sox in December 2016, he battled shoulder and elbow issues, leading to multiple stints on the injured list and undergoing Tommy John surgery on March 30, 2020, before making his comeback to the majors on August 14, 2021.
His return to the mound included setbacks, such as fracturing a rib while pitching in batting practice during the management lockout in February 2022. He further sustained injuries, breaking his left pinkie during a game against the Yankees and later fracturing his right wrist in a biking accident, which abruptly ended his season.
Crochet, at 25 years old, recorded a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA in 32 starts for a struggling White Sox team that faced a historic number of losses. He achieved a remarkable 209 strikeouts against 33 walks over 146 innings, marking his first All-Star selection.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery on April 5, 2022, Crochet made his return to the major leagues on May 18, 2023. In 2023, he had a solid 3.55 ERA across 13 relief appearances before rejoining the starting rotation.
The choices for Sale and Crochet were made based on voting by MLB.com beat writers. Meanwhile, Clase and Helsley received unanimous selections by a distinguished panel that included Hall of Famers such as Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera, in addition to other former players.
Clase, a three-time All-Star, recorded a remarkable 4-2 record with a 0.61 ERA in 74 1/3 innings, striking out 66 batters while walking just 10, and holding opponents to a low .154 batting average. He efficiently converted 47 of 50 save opportunities, showcasing his dominant performance throughout the regular season.
Though he struggled during the playoffs with a 9.00 ERA, allowing three home runs, his regular-season accomplishments were undeniable.
Helsley, also a two-time All-Star, recorded a 7-4 record with a stellar 2.04 ERA, contributing 49 saves out of 53 opportunities. He managed to strike out 79 batters while giving out 23 walks over 66 1/3 innings.
Ohtani had a record-breaking season, becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. Following his elbow surgery, Ohtani focused on hitting and posted impressive statistics, with a .310 batting average, leading the NL with 54 homers and 130 RBIs, in addition to stealing 59 bases.
For historical context, Ortiz won the DH award for five consecutive years from 2003 to 2007. The DH award is named after Edgar Martinez and is determined through voting by team beat writers, broadcasters, and PR departments. The Aaron Awards are decided through a combination of fan votes and selections from a panel that includes Hall of Famers and former winners.
Judge led the major leagues with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs while maintaining a .322 batting average.
